Local Lubbock creative studio Jackalope Creative has launched a new live music series called “Tinier Desk.” Inspired by NPR’s popular “Tiny Desk” concerts. The series invites local artists to perform stripped-down sets behind an office desk.
Jackalope Creative owners Kaleb and Tamara Willey share the company as a couple. Kaleb said this idea came naturally for them after years of working in Lubbock’s music scene.
“As soon as we had the space to do it, it felt like a no-brainer,” he said.
Willey said the goal is to create more opportunities for local and growing artists, especially for those who are unrecognized and underrated. He feels this platform can be a stepping stone for artist and hopefully expand their career.
“There are a lot of these bands in town that people want to see,” he said, “so I just want to see more opportunities for people in a different venue.”
Unlike traditional concert spaces, Tinier Desk offers a smaller, more relaxed setting. In contrast to the original Tiny Desk series, Tinier Desk sells tickets to these live performances. They have a small 40-seat audience who can watch the live music. For those who can’t attend, short video clips are shared on social media.
Willey said this space fills a gap in Lubbock’s live music scene.
“I'm 35. I don’t want to go stand for three hours for a show, but I’m really happy to come and sit down and watch a show,” he explained, “and I think people just also want that smaller setting.”
Willey said the stripped-down format also puts artists to the test, focusing on the core of their music. Though this may be intimidating for some artists who are playing their first show behind the desk, he said this can be an opportunity for artists to highlight their raw talent.
“Production can be great and can enhance a great song. But also a good song works when it's small," he said. ”So I think it's fun to kind of strip a song back to its like, core elements, and just really get to evaluate the song and the structure and the writing without the production.”
Willey said it highlights what truly makes an artist stand out.
“There's a vulnerability of, ‘Oh, I don't have a crazy effects rig and the stereo amp setup and all of these things,” he explained. “Now it really is just like, here is the song, the melody, the chord structures, the lyrics, like a little bit exposed.”
The series has already created meaningful moments for local performers, including some taking the stage for the first time.
One moment Willey said he cherished was when local artist, Kelsey Michelle, performed a Tinier Desk show. This was her first time performing as a feature in front of an audience. He said that although she was nervous, the performance was unforgettable and something he values being able to fulfill for artists.
Looking ahead, Willey hopes to grow Tinier Desk while keeping its close-knit feel. He hopes to expand the space in the future to welcome even more people to see these shows.
Beyond the live shows, the team is also working on their production efforts to eventually record the entirety of the performances to reach an even wider audience.
“I would love it if that,” he said,” if it kind of takes on a second life for people wanting to find and watch those shows after the fact.”
At its core, Willey said Tinier Desk is about supporting local artists and building community through music.
“We're seeing all these artists, and I want them to thrive. I want them to do well. And if we can do something that helps with that, then great," he said.
Coming up, Clement Hall Band is performing their album release live featuring Strawberry Season and Sundowning, on April 17th. Merle Law is performing on April 20th, featuring Sammy Brue and Theron Zuber. You can access tickets and see other upcoming shows at thejackalopecreative.com.